An internal memo obtained by the Citizen Patriot thanked employees for their efforts to reduce costs and improve efficiency but said the company had decided to transfer its bumper business to a company in Indianapolis.

"We deeply regret having to take this course of action and we wish to assist everyone through this difficult time," the memo said.

At a plantwide meeting two weeks ago employees were told the company was struggling. The 8-year-old plant at 4335 County Farm Road has about 50 non-union employees. It makes energy absorbers, the foam between the plastic and metal bumper pieces, for the automotive industry.

For more on this story, visit mlive.com/citpat later today or Saturday, or pick up Saturday's Jackson Citizen Patriot.